FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
BIEN ME SABE VENEZUELAN CAFE & RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
April 28, 2025
Complaint
License #2437491
6
Total Violations
3
Major
3
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
6
Violation #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS ABOVE PREP TABLES AND ABOVE REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELD COVERS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED A FEW LIGHTS OFF IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN INTENSITY LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection